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Roberts & Northeastern Mourn the Loss of Trustee Roy Wheatley King

The Roberts Wesleyan College and Northeastern Seminary campus community is deeply saddened by the loss of former trustee Roy Wheatley King who died January 5 at age 81.

Roy served as a trustee and leader at Roberts Wesleyan College and Northeastern Seminary from 2004-October 2017. Roy was a graduate of Northeastern Seminary, earning a Master of Arts in Theological Studies degree in 2004, His significant contributions in the classroom and in the boardroom have helped Roberts and Northeastern become the strong institutions they are today.

Roy was a member of the Roberts, Northeastern, and leadership circles, faithfully serving with President John A. Martin and President Deana L. Porterfield. Roy was an active and valuable member of the Northeastern Seminary Academics and Program subcommittee of the board. His service was marked by a quiet dignity and gentle wisdom.

Roy’s career as a leader in the Rochester area was marked by the same reputation for integrity and firm faith. He served in the US Army from 1956-1958, received his BA from Drake University and JD from Syracuse University School of Law. Judge King served the Rochester City Court from 1997-2006. In 2002 he was appointed supervising judge of the Rochester City Court. He was presiding judge of the Rochester Drug Treatment Court and also served as an acting County Court judge, retiring in December 2006.

Roy was a member of the New Progressive Church of God in Christ, where he was an ordained elder and assistant pastor. His wife, Lucille, is a missionary evangelist.

Douglas Cullum, Northeastern Seminary vice president and dean noted, “As a member of the Northeastern Seminary Academics and Program Committee, Roy made contributions that were measured, thoughtful, and always with the best interest of the institution and students in mind. Roy was an advocate for making opportunities for theological education accessible and relevant to as many as possible, because he knew the power of the Gospel message.”

We give thanks to God for Roy Wheatley King, who was a humble and faithful servant of our Lord Jesus Christ. He was a colleague and friend to so many in the community and an example for us all. Though we are comforted knowing he is now in the Lord’s presence, his absence here will be keenly felt.

Roy is survived by his wife Lucille, four children, including Roberts alumnus Rodmon King’98, and eleven grandchildren. Roy’s full obituary can be found here.

NORTHEASTERN SEMINARY where the unchanging essentials of biblical and historic Christianity are combined with a
responsive attitude toward contemporary culture—where Christ-centered people of different ages, ethnicities, and
denominations gain the theological understanding, spiritual formation, and proven skills necessary for effective
ministry to the church and the world.